Theatre Production
High School
Connect ions
Foundat ion
Foundat ion
Creat ivit y
Evaluat ion
Cont ext
Perf ormance
Perf ormance
Creat ivit y
Evaluat ion
Cont ext
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Connect ions
Course Description
Course Title: Theatre Production SH A/B
Transcript Title(s)/Abbreviation(s): THEA PROD A/B
Course Code(s): 380805/06
Subject Area and Category
____ x “f” – Visual & Performing Arts
_____ x Theater Arts (Advanced)
Grade Level: 11 12
Unit Value: 1.0 (one year, 2 semesters, or 3 trimesters equiv.)
Pre-Requisites: At least ONE high school theatre course
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Textbooks
Textbook
Title: Theatre: Art in Action
Edition:
Publication Date: 1999
Publisher: Glencoe McGraw-Hill
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x Required
Author(s): Robert Taylor and Robert Strickland
URL Resource(s):
Usage: ___ x Primary Text __
Read in entirety or near entirety
(Be sure to list any additional textbooks that are used for the class.)
Stage Management: A Practical Guide, by Soozie Copley, Philippa Killner, Cameron Mackintosh.
ISBN-13: 978-1861264534
Stock Scenery Construction Handbook by Bill Raoul (Broadway Press)
Scene Design and Stage Lighting by Parker, Wolf, Block Thomson / Wadsworth. ISBN-0-15-5061143
The Stage Costume Sourcebook by Jack Cassin-Scott. ISBN-13: 978-0304350681
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Course Content
Course Purpose:
This course provides intermediate theatre students with the opportunity to study theatre through
the process of planning, producing, rehearsing and presenting full-length and short plays.
Continued growth and development of students’ acting, directing and technical skills may be
demonstrated through regular public performance events on campus, in the community or at
theatre festivals. Students will develop writing skills through preparation of character analyses,
performance critiques and playwriting. Opportunities for original work, improvisations, and
advanced acting projects may be included.
Students will explore the essential question of how the development of acting skills, an
understanding directorial and design concepts and the relationships among theatre company
members influence the production and performance of plays.
Course Outline:
I. Play Analysis and Selection
A. Script Reading will include classical and contemporary works; they will be analyzed and
discussed in order to select appropriate scripts for production based on criteria such as:
audience interest, adequate roles, technical requirements, variety of periods and styles; written
analyses will be presented and defended
B. Historical Survey of theatrical periods will be done to provide a range of works and styles
from which to select productions; periods may include: Greek, Roman, Elizabethan, Commedia
del’Arte, Restoration, realistic drama, farce, theatre of the absurd, musical theatre
II. Production Roles and Responsibilities
A. Identification of the various jobs necessary to mount the selected script(s) as well as a list of
the responsibilities for each will be completed
B. Selection of students for each job will be done by the class and teacher according to
established criteria
C. Team Building activities will be done to provide trust and familiarity as a foundation from
which to work
III. Improvisation and Rehearsal Techniques
A. Theatre Games that connect to the style and content of the production will be played to
enrich understanding
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B. Providing Back Story will deepen understanding of the script, characters and relationships
C. Reflection and Refinement will be a continual process throughout rehearsal; regular reflective
journal entries will be made; some writing will be shared and discussed
IV. Character Development through Rehearsal
A. Analyses of characters will be done in journals, through discussions, and in formal writings;
they will be ongoing
B. Beats will be determined and analyzed for text, subtext and context; results will be recorded
in journals
C. Objective and Motivation will be determined for all sections of the script and used throughout
the rehearsal and performance process
V. Performance Preparation and Strategies
A. Casting will include a prepared monologue or scene or musical number and cold reading; the
director will assign roles
B. Directing skills will be reviewed and directors will prepare prompt scripts including blocking,
cues and analyses; directors will be responsible for working with actors, designers and stage
manager to mount a production
C. Designing elements of the production will be done in collaboration with the director and other
designers; renderings and explanations as well as budgets will be prepared
D. Rehearsing will include blocking, run throughs, improvisation, adding design elements
VI. Stage Design: Set, Lighting, Costume
A. Director’s Concept will be developed and influence all other decisions
B. Playwright’s Intention will be discussed and will guide artistic decisions
VII. Stage Management
A. Organization of schedules, design elements, running crews will be done
B. Working with Directors to ensure that the work remains true to the concepts set will be
practiced
C. Working with Actors to set schedules, check blocking, call cues will be practiced
VIII. Production and Publicity
A. Production Schedule will be established early
B. Advertising Techniques will be determined and implemented
C. Technology will be used whenever possible to complete all tasks
Key Assignments:
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Design and construct the sets, costumes, make-up, properties and/or lighting for effective
interpretation of a script.
Perform before a live audience in a theatre production.
Demonstrate acting skill in a variety of roles illustrating varied problems (scene, monologue,
pantomime, improvisation), using accurate and consistent physical mannerisms and dialects
where applicable.
Expand knowledge of the various activities of the actor, director, scriptwriter and technical
artist by participating in the collaborative process that occurs in producing contemporary,
classic and world theatre performances.
Write a report comparing two different periods in theatre history.
Keep an ongoing reflective journal of the production process from script selection to final
performance, focusing on your personal creative choices.
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Complete a research paper on the style or period of theatre chosen for your production,
including your relationship to the characteristics of the period.
Character analyses and design justifications will be written and revised as the production
develops.
Create a timeline (schedule) for the rehearsal period and design and construction of the set,
costumes, lighting, sound, publicity.
Instructional Methods and/or Strategies:
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Direct instruction
Research
Performing
Designing
Reflective writing
Critiquing
Discussion
Observation of productions
Assessments Including Methods and/or Tools:
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Observation of students as they participate in discussions, group planning and
performances shows depth of understanding and commitment to the work.
Rubrics will be used to assess all performances and will be kept to record growth.
Checklists will be used to ensure that all course requirements are met.
Journals provide an on-going record of student self-reflections and progress in
understanding their personal relationship to theatre.
Research reports show the scope of knowledge acquired.
Production logs will record the dates, hours, and tasks involved in the productions.
Artistic Perception:
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Demonstrate an understanding of form, content and dramatic structure in theatre.
Demonstrate an insightful understanding of works in theatre by analyzing and interpreting
what is presented through voice, movement and visual effects in formal and informal
productions, films and electronic media.
Document observations and perceptions of production elements noting mood, pacing and
use of space through class discussion and reflective writing.
Identify the use of metaphor, subtext, and symbolic elements in scripts and theatrical
productions.
Explore theatre vocabulary through discussions, readings, and observation of the directorial
choices and design elements of theatrical productions both on and off campus.
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Explore the connection between design elements and the director’s interpretation and
overarching design concept.
Use the specialized language of theatre vocabulary and vocabulary specific to particular
theatrical traditions in discussion, journals, written reports and tests, self and peer
assessments, and criteria charts.
Creative Expression:
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Practice and refine rehearsal techniques for the memorization of lines blocking, the
exploration of text and subtext and the creation of characters.
Make acting choices, using script analysis, character research, reflection, and revision to
create characters from classical, contemporary, realistic, and nonrealistic dramatic texts.
Develop characters through improvisation, rehearsal and research.
Utilize effective rehearsal strategies for performance and ensemble development.
Demonstrate strong vocal and physical performance skills consistently through
performances in a variety of venues and events.
Meet deadlines for projects and prepare budgets and schedules.
Work responsibly and respectfully in groups.
Work collaboratively as an ensemble, continuing to demonstrate and improve
communication, design, organizational and performance skills.
Understand safety and the correct use of tools and equipment used in technical theatre.
Produce a work of stage design effectively using the elements and principals of design for
achieving theatrical purposes.
Historical and Cultural Context:
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Describe the ways that theatre and those who work in all aspects of theatre reflect and
influence culture.
Compare and contrast specific styles and forms of world theatre in a research paper. For
example, differentiate between Elizabethan comedy and Restoration farce.
Research theatrical design, period considerations and the connection to culture and society.
Connect the research to your work in the chosen production in a research paper.
Aesthetic Valuing:
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Analyze and respond to various interpretations of theatrical literature.
Develop criteria to respond to, analyze and evaluate theatrical experiences.
Continually reflect upon and refine your work on the production.
Write critiques of productions based on established criteria.
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Connections, Relationships, and Applications:
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Demonstrate an understanding of the correlation between effective use of theatrical training,
success in the market place and success in careers.
Demonstrate the ability to identify, organize and accomplish production tasks.
Understand the principles of effective oral, written and multimedia communication in a variety
of formats and contexts.
Use and understand effective leadership styles, key concepts of group dynamics, team and
individual decision-making, and conflict resolution.
Demonstrate the behaviors associated with responsibility and flexibility in personal,
workplace, and community settings.
Common Core State Standards: See Guiding Principles for connections.
Credentials required to teach this course:
One of the following:
General Secondary
Special Secondary English
Standard Secondary with major/minor English
Standard Secondary with major/minor Drama
Single Subject English
Subject Matter Authorization Drama/Theatre
Supplementary Authorization Drama
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